AES E-Library

AES E-Library

Evaluation of the Audible Distortion and Noise Produced by Digital Audio Converters

A quantitative measurement technique to evaluate audible impairments caused by the noise and distortion of digital-audio conversion systems is discussed and is shown to correlate well with subjective impression. Performance at low, medium and high signal levels is examined using the auditory critical band concept, signal masking, environmental noise masking, and hearing acuity. The technique applies sinewave signals and divides the output spectrum into auditory critical bands which are used to determine the audibility of the noise and distortion products.